[ Autographs ] BENJAMIN AUSTIN (1752 - 1820) American politician and Revolutionary War zealot who succeeded Samuel Adams as leader of the radical Boston Republicans, also a political author, killed by Thos. O. Selfridge for slandering the latter's father. D.S. 2pp. legal folio Boston, Oct. 4, 1813, a letter to the Secretary of the Navy of recommending John K. Low for appointment as a midshipman. Signed by Austin at conclusion, also signed by Elbridge Gerry's son-in-law and biographer JAMES AUSTIN, and by H. S. DEARBORN, son of the general. Very good.